In the run up to Autism Awareness Week UK (March 29 and April 4, 2021), and World Autism Awareness Day (April 2) we’ve turned the spotlight on autism and picky eating behaviours.

If you have a picky eater with autism, you may know that one in every 100 school children in the UK is autistic. Since children with autism are five times more likely to have food challenges, we have compiled a list of top tips from trusted sources.

The food challenge

It’s estimated that over half of all autistic children (between 46 and 89 per cent) have food selectivity, according to the Indiana Resource Center for Autism. This can range from autism and food refusal through to limited or selective diets, ritualistic eating behaviors and teatime tantrums.

For many parents, this can be an anxious time, but they suggest that many of these challenges can be resolved with “a little guidance and some patience.”

However, if your autistic child won’t eat anything, if you’re concerned about their welfare, or suspect food intolerance or sensory issues, it’s important to seek professional medical support through your GP or caregiver.

 Here are ten tips from professional sources, for Autism Awareness Day 2021.

1. Use obsessions and special interests as tools

According to the National Autistic Society (NAS), many autistic people have obsessions. This could be a particular toy, an intense interest in a subject, or becoming attached to certain objects, for instance.

But these obsessions and interests can be used as a teatime tool. According to NAS, you could “use a special interest to  encourage them to eat more volume or variety, eg by eating from a Thomas the Tank Engine plate, cutting food into rocket shapes, or exploring foods from the country or region of their favourite singer or sports team," according to their helpful eating guide.

(above, the Munchy Play Train Plate)

2. Keep a structure and routine

Marcus Autism Center in USA believes that children with autism benefit from “structure and routine, which should include mealtimes”.

They advise that eating at predictable times every day can help this, specifically keeping t three meals and two snacks a day.

 3. Habitual and sameness

Furthermore, NAS suggest that if you’re looking at ways of how to get a child with autism to eat, try seating them in the same place at the table every day, and using the same kids plate and cutlery for familiarity.

4. Keep mealtimes relaxed

Plan ahead to avoid stress-free mealtimes, which can just feed into anxiety. Although this isn’t always possible, or easy, you may find that a calmer environment is more conducive to your child’s sensory preferences.

5. Play with food

As we have long advocated, playing with food may help motivate your autistic child to try new foods.

“This may look like making fun shapes with the food or examining the food’s textures, smells, and so on. The idea is to have your child engage with the food as much as possible” suggests Healthline.

6. Introduce new foods slowly

Autism and food refusal is a common theme, especially between 1.5 and 2 years old, also known as ‘Neophobia’ – fear of the new.

Introducing new foods in small ways is a good way to ease your picky eater child into new foods. The Autism Awareness Centre recommends allowing the child time to explore the new food and get used to it being on their toddler pick plate. Be prepared that it may take up to 20 exposures before a child will try that food.

7. Praise good behaviour

As with all picky eating behaviour, it’s advised to praise (and focus on) good behaviours. For instance, if your autistic child only eats chicken nuggets, perhaps acknowledge that they are sitting nicely. When disruptive behavior starts, Healthline suggests talking about food colours, texture and taste may help “capture their attention”

8. Keep a food diary

According to the NHS, keeping a food diary is one way to spotting any common issues your child has. This should include “what, where and when your child eats” so you can start to build a picture. This is also useful to share with your GP and nutritionists.

9. Use a smaller kids’ plate

It’s not all about how to get a child with autism to eat. In some cases, over-eating may be the issue. If this is the case, NAS recommend using a small children’s plate or reducing portion size. And since visual cues can help, showing them an empty saucepan is another way to demonstrate that the food has all gone.

10. Be the change

Experts at The Child Mind Institute advise that parents need to model behaviour for their children. Simply put, if you expect your child to eat a balanced diet, then you should be reflecting that in your own food choices too.

In Summary

Picky eating behaviour in children with autism is a complex issue and we have only touched on a few tips and insight here. Making mealtimes enjoyable for everyone, be it using a fun plate or kids pick plate may help. We highly recommend speaking to a professional caregiver, and visiting nhs.uk. You might also find our comprehensive guide to fussy eaters here helpful.